#unpopularopinion

Actually, I knew this was no book for me. But what all does one read for a challenge? I was surprised, finding out that I liked the beginning of the book. Their childhood friendship was interesting and fascinating to read.

But then puberty hits again, and there I was dragging myself through a book that didn't catch me the slightest. I don't care about Lenu, her school, her lovelife. I care even less for her brilliant friend ⬇

This morning I had the much loved Halwa for breakfast. In #Afghanistan it's both: a dessert and a breakfast meal - so dessert for breakfast! 😋 And it contains lots of veggies 😁

#FoodandLit @Butterfinger @Texreader @Catsandbooks

This book collects three short stories from Irelands Dread Nation universe. If you're a fan of the series you shouldn't miss out on those. We get to know the characters better, get a deeper insight in to their past and the world they live in.
Sadly, the book is over way to fast. I had to real really slowly, to enjoy the whole thing a bit longer 😄

#BookSpin @TheAromaOfBooks

Another recipe for the #FoodandLit challenge that doesn't look as tasty as it is 😅🙈 For our journey to #Afghanistan I made Borani Badejan - Roasted Eggplant.

When I came along this dish I just knew I had to make it. I love eggplants ❤️ If you do as well this might be an idea for you.

Oh, that smell when I lifted the lid of the pan when it was done - pure joy! 🤩

@Texreader @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

Here are my books for #bookspin and #doublespin (not tagged book, but related 😉) I'm glad to finally getting down to read the DN stories by Ireland.

The second book has just won the SERAPH prize for best debut. Ordered it yesterday and hopefully can start with it today already. I'm so curious about this one. Funny enough I just added it to this new list and it already has been chosen - a sign, maybe ?😁

@TheAromaOfBooks

The Poet X vs. The Founding was so, so hard to choose. I chose the Poet because it came as a surprise to me, while I knew I was going to love The Founding.

So here we are.

As much as I loved The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, as much I struggled with this one. Maybe it was the narrator of the audio book because I didn't like her way of reading either. I was very disappointed and sad, when I realized I couldn't get into the story at all. The characters, while lovingly drawn out, still couldn't reach me. The plot didn't catch me at all, even though it would've been an interesting and important topic. But I don't feel ⬇

I just managed to finish my #Roll100 book for April, now I'm already ordering the one for May - incredible! 😄 Number 85 is Bradburys “Something Wicked This Way Comes“. An October book in May - what a match! 😄

For #TurnUpTheBooks I got Blink-182s “I Really Wish I Hated You“. Just a normal, boring breakup song 🙄 First I thought I wouldn't find a fitting book, but when I scrolled through my planned reading list ⬇

Soft pick for me. I was happy to meet the familiar characters again, but wished we'd stayed more with them. The plot was interesting, but didn't catch my attention the whole time. All in all it's a good, but not outstanding book, even though Thrawn would be such an impressive character...

#StarWarsBuddyRead @BookwormAHN
#seriesread2022 @TheSpineView

A collection of different poems by different authors from Cuba. The texts give a good overview over the topics the people think and write about. We read about life as an exile, the country, nature, love and dance. Sadly, some political ones weren't allowed to be printed...

#FoodandLit #Cuba
@Butterfinger @Texreader @Catsandbooks

Made myself a super tasty Arroz Congris for #FoodandLit #Cuba and enjoyed every bite of it ❤️ Flavourful and filling. Rice and beans are just a perfect match 🤩

@Texreader @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

Wow, May's coming already?! Well, then here we go again! 🤩 My list for #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin ❤️

@TheAromaofBooks

Part two of the duology and my #bookspin for April. The second book is definitely better than the first one, even though volume two often reminded me of Brave New World. But Oldach always manged it well to not let it come this far. The character development is strong and the story has more depth, which I enjoyed a lot. I even managed to deal with the romantic scenes 😄

@TheAromaOfBooks
#SeriesRead2022 @TheSpineView

This was my #Doublespin for April, and I guess I would've put this book off without the challenge by @TheAromaOfBooks 😅 But now I'm glad I read it. It was my first real encounter with Beowulf and I'm more than happy to finally know his whole story. This translation is a mix of tradition, modernity and feminismn - quite interesting and good to read. I liked the flow the verses had. But the modern words sometimes sounded a bit wrong for this text.

Did I read another book from the Culture Smart! series for the #FoodandLit challenge? Yes, I did. Did I like the book? Sure did. Did I learn something new? As always, yes. For example, I was surprised to learn about the very good health system in Cuba. I did not expect that. Among a lot of other interesting facts about this fascinating island. And yes, I'll keep on reading those books 😄

@Catsandbooks @Butterfinger @Texreader

Lunch time with a Cuban Sandwich for #FoodandLit 😋 Did I overload it? Yes 😁 Did I enjoy it? Yes! I could've gone with a second one 🤭

#Cuba @Butterfinger @Texreader @Catsandbooks

Bookish Song Nr. 35: The Last Of The Real Ones

Yes, another Gaunt song. But it's just too perfect not mention. It's their whole story packed into a song. The whole relationship between Gaunt and his Ghosts. Their past. The way they've come.

Where will they go? I do hope they'll find a new home for themselves.

#music #musicandbooks

My choice for #TurnUpTheBooks was short, but a great read nonetheless. I'm so glad I picked this story, because as the other short stories by Meyer do as well, it deepens the characters and the world-building. Also, it's simply nice to meet with the beloved friends again. If you're a fan of the series don't miss out on Meyers stories!

@AkashaVampie
#SeriesRead2022 @TheSpineView

(Tagged book is part one, while I'm reading the second book)

These are my books for #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin in April, and I'm quite happy with them. New World 2 just came out and I really wanted to read it. And I'm curious about Beowulf. Great spin!

Thank you, @TheAromaOfBooks

And another great book in this series. Seems like they can't do anything wrong. It was so interesting to read about #Greece and the Greek. What a fascinating state of mind they've got! And there's always so much to learn. I so love reading those books for the #FoodandLit challenge.

@Catsandbooks @Butterfinger @Texreader

This is only a So-So for me. I actually like the characters, but Reeds way of writing just isn't for me, it seems. Even though there's a lot of typical Star wars action, I never got into the story. Never felt involved. The pace always stays somewhat the same, which made the book sort of a bore to me... There were some scenes I felt a little emotional, but those sadly couldn't save the book for me...

Finally the second book has been translated to German as well! I've been waiting for so long, but it sure was worth it. Since we're now familiar with the characters and the setting, we're getting right into the story. Yes, one must've read book one first. If you did and enjoyed it, go ahead - I thought the second book was even better than the first one. And it's waiting for part three... Publishing date: 2023 😢

#SeriesRead2022 @TheSpineView

Early in the book the author states that he wants to stay as close to reality as possible, even though telling a fictional story. And that he does. There's a lot of information, especially in the first part. The second part focusses more on the characters and their backgrounds, which makes a good mixture. All in all this book is more for readers who are interested in ships and the sea, especially in the historical context. So yes, a pick for me

More April books: my number 49 for #roll100 is Nadia Hashimi with Sparks Like Stars - can't wait to read this book!

For #TurnUpTheBooks I got Knuckles by Moose Blood. Another new song, so it took me some time to find something that might fit the score. I'm going with Marissa Meyers story “The Queen's Army“, which has been on my TBR for a long time.

@PuddleJumper @AkashaVampie

And here we go again 😁 This is my #BookSpin list for April 2022. Finished both of my March books, so I'm good to go!

@TheAromaofBooks #DoubleSpin

Well, this was a somewhat disappointing ending. The crime part just wasn't satisfiying to me. And even though I knew that the book was going to be cheesy, there was just a bit too much of the cheese. I could accept it like this if it was just a part of the series, but as a last installment...? Meh... But maybe there's going to be more, so I'll just have to accept the book as it is.

#SeriesRead2022 @TheSpineView

From the first time I've heard about this book, I wanted to read it. Thanks to the #BookSpin challenge by @TheAromaofBooks I finally got the chance to do so! And my guts didn't lie: I dove into the book and didn't reappear until I was finished. Great ideas, a catching plot, interesting characters and a well-balanced combination of action, emotion and humor. Now I want to read more by Rob Hart and hope his other books are just as good!

This was my #DoubleSpin for March, a short, but very impressive story. I like Vos way of telling, but not saying. Kind, calm, comforting - that's how this story felt.

@TheAromaofBooks

My latest contributions to #FoodandLit #Greece - Spanakopita with the obligate extra cheese 😁 and Greek Beet Root Salad while watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 🤭

@Catsandbooks @Butterfinger @Texreader

It's not a bad idea to read a book by Amos Oz every now and then. So I was quite content with this book, even though it dragged a little at the end. As always, the author talks about important topics and digs deep into them. He makes his readers thinking by themselves. And even though Oz' books mostly revolve around the same topics, he manages it to present them in another way in every book. Yes, it's good to read Amos Oz from time to time.

Yesterday I had Stuffed Bell Pepper with Rice, a recipe from #Greece called Gemista. It was nice, especially because the pepper was so big I could eat it like a Burger 😁

FYI it wasn't my fault that it got burned. Somebody elsevin our house hold took longer than expected to finish their computer game... 😒

#FoodandLit @Butterfinger @Texreader @Catsandbooks

Stella Bettermann is half-Greek, half-German. In this book she tells us about her Greek family, holidays in #Greece, family members visiting in Germany and many other stories revolving around her and her family. This way I got a good glimpse at the Greek heart and soul, but also got to know about their culture and their way of living and thinking. A perfect book to take along when going on holidays in Greece.

Wow! What a book! And I got lucky to get audio book read by Acevedo herself. That's even more intense! This is so strong, so deep, so important and meaningful. Amazing and breathtaking. For sure one of this months highlights.

I didn't expect much of this book, I only read it because it is part one of my 2022 challenges. But Rosoff surprised me. I soon couldn't wait to continue reading, even though the author adds a bit too many topics into the book. Therefore, she can't really get deep enough into each single one. But reading this story right now just fits. The writing style is a silent, slow one, thoughtful, kind. One to slowly catch you and drag you into the story.

Sorry for posting so late, @TheAromaOfBooks - I just didn't get around to do it earlier... But that doesn't mean I'm out of the challenge. Quite the opposite - I've started reading both books and enjoy them a lot. Especially The Paradox Hotel, which is my #bookspin for March. The Empress Of Salt And Fortune is my #doublespin and also a very good read.

Thank you for tagging me @Christyco125

1. I don't really mind, but I guess I prefer multiple POVs. At least I really do enjoy reading those.
2. In German, Hungarian, Danish, French & Italian. The last two were children's books, tbh.
3. Definitely list. Now that I cut down on the amount of books I want to read each month, I'm trying to better listening to my feelings and what I really would like to read, but I'm still a planner. I need my lists 😄

After DNF-ing my book for #TurnUptheBooks I wanted to draw a new one, since it's still early in the month 😄 Deezer said: Boom Clap by Charli XCX and while listening to the song, Meg Rosoffs How I Live Now came to my mind. It might be a little cheating here, since I've already started the book, but I also already cleaned out my TBR before, I hope that's ok for now.

@AkashaVampie

This was my choice for #TurnUptheBooks, but I've still decided to DNF it. I've already had my problems with volume one, but thought I'd give the second book a shot, too. Then it spent years on my TBR... Now I know why. So I kicked it off my list, volume three as well, and another book the same author as well. TBR cleaned out. I just couldn't get into the story at all, and felt bored from the start...

@AkashaVampie

If anyone can do fairy tale retellings, the it's Marissa Meyer. I don't even mind the romance in her books. Me! This one is dark and scary, uncanny. No Happily Ever After to be found in this story. And that's one of the strong sides of this book: so much atmosphere. I could dive into the story and didn't want to come back to earth again. The ending was a little bit disappointing, even for a book in a series. But now I can look forward to part two.

Because of our way to curious cats we can't have flowers and candles at home. Therefore, I lit s candle online to remember @sharread 🕯️RIP 😢

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

I wanted to do both books for the #Roll100 this month, but Wifey sabotaged that plan by gifting me some real big books - so still only one book in March 😅

For #TurnUptheBooks I got the song Thrine by Bring Me The Horizon. After a night thinking about something else than werewolves, I came along the tagged book (actually, while checking for the #Roll100 book). It was so fitting, I almost couldn't believe it.

@AkashaVampie @PuddleJumper
#TBRCrew

My addition to the #Sharreadathon was of course a lovely book. Agatha Christie just wrote such good stories, they're entertaining and engage one to try to solve the case as well. Here I went somewhat wrong 😅 As always there are a lot of characters showing up and sometimes I've had some troubles dealing with the side characters. But that's ok, I guess.

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Professional_Book_Dragon

Here's my list for #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin - Four new books added for those that went off the list 😁

@TheAromaofBooks

The book was just a tiny bit too long, to be a great one. Great descriptions of the city, interesting twists, but a bit too many characters, and the end... well, it's not an end. More like Abnett ran out of time to finish the story... Even for a series the end comes to abruptly. But all in all it was a good and entertaining read, there was always something going on and I hardly guessed what would happen next.

While whole Buenos Aires is celebrating soccer, Pablo has to ask himself, if those guys down on the street where he lives came for him or not. Are they secret police or just some random dudes? Do they follow him or is it just a coincidence? More and more Pablo gets caught in those thoughts, while the streets are filled with people enjoying themselves and their victory.

#FoodandLit #Argentina
@Texreader @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

I'm also joining in on the #Sharreadathon - RIP 😢 I didn't know @sharread that well, but I still want to remember her.

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Professional_Book_Dragon

Argentinian mushroom risotto for #FoodandLit - of course with the extra cheese 😁 Really tasty and good for your soul ❤️

#Argentina
@Texreader @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

This was just an OK book for me. Sadly. Maybe it's because I was expecting something differently. It took for me too long until the story really started. Or maybe it was because I didn't really like the narrator of the audio book. But I never really got into the story, and the characters never came close to me. Even though bad things are happening, I stayed untouched. Therefore, I'm not going to actively continue this trilogy.

Thank you for the tag @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 😊And my apologies for being late. But better late, than never, right? 😉

#ThinkPositiveBePositive